National Secretary, Rhodes Scholarships for West Africa, Ike Chioke (left); Chief Executive Officer, Rhodes Trust, Charles Conn; Strategic Adviser, Tope Folarin; and director of Strategy and Development, Alasdair Maclay, at the official launch of the Rhodes Scholarships for West Africa in Lagos

The Rhodes Scholarships for West Africa was formally launched in Lagos recently. Under the scheme, remarkably brilliant students from Nigeria, Ghana and other countries in the sub region within the age range of 19 to 25 years have a unique opportunity to study at the prestigious University of Oxford, UK.

Addressing reporters on the initiative, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rhodes Trust Charles Conn disclosed that the scheme provides funding for exceptional students to undertake postgraduate studies at the prestigious UK university.

He said: “The scholarship selects creative young leaders with a commitment to serving others. In the century since the establishment of the Rhodes Scholarships, the Trust has convened a community of extraordinary people who share a history of enriching their communities, pioneering in their chosen fields, and applying the knowledge and experience acquired as scholars for the betterment of society.

“The new West Africa scholarship is part of a wider geographic expansion of the Rhodes Scholarships. The total number of scholarships awarded each year by Rhodes Trust will increase from 83 to 95, including new ones in China, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Palestine, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and West Africa. This increases the number of Rhodes Scholars studying at the University of Oxford at any one time to approximately 250. The expansion into these regions marks a historic moment for the Trust and further strengthens the international Rhodes community.

“Our aspiration is to identify and support innovative, energetic and ethical young leaders in West Africa. The new Rhodes scholars from west Africa will contribute significantly through sharing their skills, experiences and energy with their peers at Oxford and we look forward to welcoming them to Rhodes House in October 2018,” he added

In his remarks, the Rhodes national secretary for West Africa, Ike Chioke said the scholarship selection is for young, graduate students of outstanding intellect, character, leadership and commitment to service.

He said: “Each year, a class of 100 scholars is selected from over 60 countries, maintaining a community of 250 scholars studying in Oxford at any one time. We bring together deeply engaged individuals from around the world; across all fields of expertise and at all stages of their careers. They are given both physical and virtual hubs so that they can work together across disciplines and borders to stand up for the world and tackle global problems.